Hi All,
I just finished reading a book that was recommended to me by someone in the business world who I contacted for help breaking into writing. I'm determined that someone, somewhere, will publish my work and share it with a larger audience. That's all I ask in life! I don't really ask for profit, cause I couldn't care less about money. I'll always be middle-class in spirit, and I like it that way! But to have my work out there, for the masses...well, that would rock.
So the book was called Slaying Your Giant by Tim Darnell. This book reminded me a bit of The Purpose Driven Life from Rick Warren. That book, by the way, totally changed my thinking and helped me heal from some serious issues when I read it a few years ago. I'll have to start by explaining my thoughts about God. The first thing I remember being told when I was a child was that Jesus has my life in His hands, so I shouldn't worry. So I've lived my whole life by that one idea. See what happens when parents tell kids things? What if my mother had been wrong? Well, she was absolutely correct, 100%. That's not to say I've never worried!
I used to be an obsessive worrier, always with negative and worry-related thoughts in my head. I didn't want them there-nobody does! But by definition being Obsessive Compulsive means you get thoughts you don't want in your head, and you can't get rid of them, not without a bit of behavioral therapy and a lot of prayer. I prayed on it for years, asked God about a million times to please rid me of this, as it was driving me mad. And you know? He listened, just like He always does. He put me on a path to meet the right people so that I could eventually get the help I needed, and as a result, I'm a much healthier person today. It took many years, and in the meantime I often thought my prayers went unanswered. But that's never been the case. He's answered every prayer I've ever prayed, just not on MY timeframe. Am I cured? No. Physically, that's impossible, doctors tell me. I know God can cure All, but I understand that His purpose for me includes me having this 'disorder.' It's what gives me my creativity, after all.
So this was a book I could've written, almost. The Purpose Driven Life helped me realize that I was created this way for a purpose, and a good one. Slaying Your Giant was about taking on those things that hold you back, head-on, and knowing that with God behind you, you'll succeed. I believe in that theory wholeheartedly. It's certainly true that any of us can accomplish anything we want in this world. It doesn't matter how much money you have, or what skills you have, or what your situation is. We're all capable of miracles within ourselves.
The key, of course, is to have faith. It's not always easy to do, and there are so many obstacles in our path. Doubt and Insecurity have always been personal demons of mine. I have an almost insane faith in other people, but very little in myself. Well, I've grown more confident over the years, as I've found my writing voice. But I'll admit I haven't been as faithful as I know I can be. This is just a test run, after all. The Real Deal begins when we die. Personally, I can't wait. That's not to say I'm suicidal; far from it. I'm glad to have this life and this test. I think it's amazing and I want to experience all of it. But since the second thing I remember being told as a child was about Heaven and what awaits, I've always wanted to be there. Someday. In the meantime, I keep looking for little bits of Heaven here, in this place. And I find some..
So, if you want to be uplifted, and you have a Christian faith, I recommend this book. For info on slaying actual dragons, see Harry Potter.
Things to Ponder:
1) Question, though. God tells us killing is wrong (It's one of the Ten Commandments). David killed Goliath. Was David wrong? Why is he a hero for that?
2) Since I won't have a physical body, will my spirit retain my personality that is reflected by chemicals in my body?
3) Will there really be a bright light?
4) Is the future so bright, I gotta wear shades?
5) What is it in my DNA that likes lists?
ha ha
Have a great day.
4 comments:
Oh my gosh, what a post! So insightful. I've never read Slaying Your Dragon, but I have very personal knowledge of The Purpose Driven Life. Rick Warren was my boss for several years and I was around while he was writing it, not to mention for the aftermath. It has changed millions of lives, and thank God it has. Considering your recent reading, can I make a suggestion? Pick up a book called If You Want To Walk On Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat by John Ortberg. Amazing book for anyone who is looking to step out in faith - and aren't we all in some way or another called to do that? :) This book changed my life while I was working for Rick's church (it feels funny calling it his church, because he never would, but you know what I mean) and took me from one level in ministry to another even greater one.
If I knew you better, I would love to pick your brain!
Did I say "Slaying Your Dragon"?
I meant...well, you know! :)
Steph, thanks for stopping by! You don't have to know me to pick my brain. I'm very open and will talk to anybody, about anything!
I'll check out the book you recommended. :)
Not only is the future so bright that you will have to wear shades, but you'll also be compelled to wear your sunglasses at night.
I hadn't heard of Slaying your Giant...it sounds like a good one. Thanks for the insights, Marty. :)
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